Why do people like Farrakhan?

[cynatnite]

He's known to be openly anti-semitic, the Southern Poverty Law Center has declared the 'Nation of Islam' to be a hate group. The Anti-Defamation league has said as much, too.

The Nation of Islam in the 90's put out a book that basically said the jews caused anti-semitism and are racists towards blacks. It also said the jews was largely responsible for the slave trade. It was debunked by mainstream scholars.

Farrakhan is not just racist towards jews, but also koreans and vietnamese. He has been quoted as calling them bloodsuckers.

He said murder and lying comes easy from white people and even excluded black women from attending the first march.

He is also anti-choice except in cases of rape and incest. He also believes that homosexuals can be changed.

I've even read a few articles a while back suggesting he had Malcom X killed. I honestly didn't know how to take that since it seems rather out there, IMO.

I just find the man and what he stands for repugnant. I don't get why he's finding respect by some here at DU.

[greyl]

1. Before the invasion of Iraq,

He was one of a few who were heard talking about the real motives being pipelines and prophets errr profits.
It may have been on the Phil Donahue show on MSNBC that I saw him drawing connections between US business dealings with the taliban and the US military "rationale" for conquering the fertile crescent.

[DaveColorado]

3. He also said the New Orleans levees were destroyed intentionally

I don't care if it's a black man or a white man being racist, we must resist racism in all quarters.

[greyl]

4. Yes, I know. I was showing reason for

people to listen to him speak about NOLA as if he was on their side.

Iow, I doubt that there are new fans of Farrakhan because of what he's said about NOLA.

[greyl]

5. In addition: I think he's less racist than most republicans. :) nt

[radwriter0555]

35. I've never heard of nor met ANYONE who 'liked' farrakhan. Can you

name someone who's opinion we collectively value, who "likes" farrakhan?

[OETKB]

38. How many people were at that rally?

Any decent people there? Remember he organized it. If they were against his vision, they wouldn't have attended. Your remarks on bordering on racism, the definition being, to think you are superior to another. He does represent a significant body of opinion among Black Americans. This needs respect.

[radwriter0555]

39. Yeah, well hitler had fans too.

Doesn't mean I have to respect him.

Nothing I've represented has a thing to do with racism. For years I've watched this freak pal up with whomever he can use to promote his wild and crazy notions, including the moonies and the republicans.

He's a full blown insane narcissistic freak who has no one's interests at heart but his own, and hearing the sound of his own voice.

He offers nothing of value in any way, shape or form, and the people who were devestated by the republican government's incompetence during Katrina won't reap any benefits from his conspiracy theories and hate manifestations either. I don't have an answer to those horrific problems, but I do know he ISN'T it.

[OETKB]

40. Clue me in

Why don't you give me the sources for your venom and loathing? You seemed to have studied him in depth. I don't mind being enlightened. Are his followers hitlerjungen? Does he call for the destruction of the white race? Let's see the proof.

[radwriter0555]

41. It was his ingratiating himself with the moonies that clued me in to what

a freak he is, and his willingness to sell himself off to the bush regime when they first took the white house.

I have no respect for ANYONE who pals up with the bush regime, I spare no quarter for him. And even worse, for someone who tried to ingratiate themselves into the moonies, which is perhaps the most evil organization on this planet.

My point about hitler was that a lot of people liked hitler too, but that doesn't mean he was a good guy, does it? It means they were either wrong, or thought like him. I choose to think they were just wrong.

People liege often to what they do not know, but to that which is merely sometimes just bright, sparkly and shiney.

Farrakhan is evil... I can't explain why in actual words. He is evil incarnate and as bad if not worse than any republicans. It's just a gut feeling and I'm never wrong.

[OETKB]

42. As I thought

If you can not back up what you say it will have to stand as that, an ugly belief based on nothing. It is not a way to win hearts and minds.

[radwriter0555]

44. So you think the moonies is a fine, esteemable organization that you would

be proud to be aligned with?

I've watched farrakhan for years and haven't found anything to appreciate about him, but a lot of little nuances that add up to evil.

As I said, my opinion is based on my observations, or would you rather I found an article where someone else said it for me? Or a specific action or a MOMENT?

Isn't being aligned with the bush regime and the moonies enough for you? You want me to say I saw him kill babies too?

Do you have any clue who the moonies are and what they control and how evil they are? Or for that matter the bush regime?

I form my own opinions based on what I've seen and experienced personally. I don't point to an article or someone else's opinion to back up mine. I stand on my own.

Check out the moonies and the bush regime sometime. Let us know if you're a fan when you're done.

[OETKB]

58. I'm waiting

A tirade is not specifics. This is why we are at each other's throats. We judge from a distance. Did they do something personally to you or your family? You are not convincing my friend and I have listened to Mr. Farrakhan's speeches and well as studied interviews. I know of no crimes caused by Moon or his followers. There may be disagreement as to life style, but is for other grown-ups to decide. You know we have to live with these people and I will accept a "bad peace" over a "good war."

[radwriter0555]

69. You have the entire WORLD at your fingertips right here. Do I HAVE to tell

you to go to google and type in FARRAKHAN MOON and see what pops up?

Can't you read for yourself? Must you be lead along on a string? Do you think someone TOLD me farrakhan was aligned with the moonies? No. I read it myself. I saw an article, I did the research, I read the stories, I dug very, very deep, and you can too.

Go... google, or whatever your search engine of choice is. READ. LEARN.

Google "moon south america" google Moon bush inauguration, just read, for crying out loud.

[ultraist]

55. "Farrakhan is evil...I cannot explain in actual words."

"He is evil incarnate...It's just a gut feeling and I'm never wrong."

WOW! That sounds like some major FUNDIE shit!

[itzamirakul]

64. This time there were no helicopters overhead and it seems that the

government didn't count but it was estimated to be at about 1.8 million (1995 had 2 million) Over 7 hundred thousand took public transportation and then others came by private transportation, i.e. buses and cars.

Among those attending were Cornel WEst, Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, Dorothy I. Height, Sheila Lee, John Conyers and many more. I watched continuously from about 5AM through 7PM.

I am a very independent person. I will not condemn the messenger and I really agreed with and will support the message.

[w13rd0]

2. Couple things...

...most of what you cite are instances past tense. He's actually been reaching out to the groups you refer to in the Bush era. In regard to Malcom X, that's a ref to his predecessor I believe. Age, suffering, experience, all can shape and change a person. Malcom X himself experiences such a change near the end of his life. MLK before he died "enjoyed" a great deal of scrutiny for his economic perspective, anti-war views and shift to concern over broadbased social justice issues (note that of course, this isn't what the history books say in regard to him).

The reason why he's getting respect? Because he's organizing people in large numbers to oppose the Bush regime, and for many of us, that's enough to earn at least a little respect.

[itzamirakul]

7. I agree that he is "reaching out" and also...

he is offering solutions to some of black America's most serious concerns.

As far as religious beliefs and past terminology, we are on totally different planes, but as far as his current political messages are concerned, I am in great agreement with him. African Americans have to have their concerns given attention. The way things stand now, that is not the case. We are encouraged to vote for Democrats, who, once in office, totally forget about jobs, housing, education, et al until the next election.

There is one sure way for African Americans to get ahead in this country and that is to completely sell out and become Republican. With even the least modicum of intelligence, one can then become a public speaker, get a good-paying job, and "move on up." It just means going against ALL the things that most blacks believe in.


I do respect Farrakhan and consider him a great leader, along with many others of diverse races. And I really don't care who doesn't like it. And, I will be taking part in his organizational efforts. Soem of the ideas he has are important, such as having a black disaster fund. This doesn't mean that those moneys can't be used to help people of various ethnicities, but it will certainly feel good to have a cache of money to help one's own. Other groups do this so why not black Americans as well?

[sandnsea]

6. Did he say chickenhawk?

I know he quoted Howard Dean, we have to take our country back. That's all it seems to take to create a hero these days.

[Neil Lisst]

8. Farrakhan is admired by some in the black community

Even among those who are not in the National of Islam, many blacks find some things to like in what he does. His insistence on religion, family, eschewing drugs and chemical stimulants, etc. appeal to many.

I find him repugnant, but I still think it's important to listen to him, and to understand why some find him acceptable, even if I don't.

[malaise]

22. Correct

This reminds me of some of the responses to the ANSWER rally. Forget personalities and listen to the message. The response to Katrina and the illegal Iraq war have given people reasons to rally against Bushco.
I will listen to who organizes people to address issues and speak out against the current 'culture of corruption' and oppression. Ideas can be adopted or adapted in our own organizations. It makes no sense to 'divide' at this time.

[goclark]

46. He is admired by a huge percentage of the Black Community!

I take it that you listened to his speech yesterday.

Since I am African American, I can't speak for my entire community but I can tell you this.... African Americans have been wise enough to listen to his message over the years and watch him grow to be a leader that they greatly admire.

This admiration cuts across poor,middle class and upper class African Americans.

I would venture to say that the Middle/Upper Class African Americans admire him most. Why? Because we have watched the Black Muslims take care of our community,rescue our children that had no hope and inspire them to get an education,stay out of jail and take care of their families.

The Black Muslims do not try to control our community at all!
They do not knock on our doors to beg us to join.

His speech yesterday was compassionate and thought provoking.
It was BOLD and he told the world that "WE NEED REGIME CHANGE IN AMERICA!"

With that speech, he sealed his status with the African American Community!

Trust me, African Americans were cheering for him and for all the speakers at his extremely well organized March!

To let you know how powerful he is,CSPAN let their cameras roll for more than 5 hours for that March yesterday. They did not do that for Answer.

The size of the crowd was WAY over the size of Answer. We will keep marching until justice flows down like a mighty stream.

[itzamirakul]

9. What "anti-defamation league" are you referring to and why

should anyone care what this league thinks?

Who makes up this league? Why is their opinion so great that we should all revere what they say?

[cynatnite]

10. Here you go:

http://www.adl.org/default.htm

The mission of ADL today is, as it has been in the past, to expose and combat the purveyors of hatred in our midst, responding to whatever new challenges may arise. Where once we protested admissions quotas at leading graduate schools, today we expose Internet sites devoted to Holocaust denial and white-supremacist propaganda. In the past, we challenged the anti-Semitic ranting of demagogues like Father Coughlin; in the present, we are no less vocal in opposition to Louis Farrakhan.

http://www.adl.org/ADLHistory/intro.asp

[itzamirakul]

12. And I say to this group...

Clean your own house first.

[cynatnite]

14. And of the Southern Poverty Law Center?

They've classified the Nation of Islam as a hate group. Given some of the hate coming from this man he's still repugnant even if he's now spewing the same thing many of us have been saying for years now.

[itzamirakul]

23. I DO support the SPLC and acknowledge that even THEY may have

to change their stance regarding Farrakhan. And even if they don't change their stance on LF, I will continue to support them financially because the work they do is important.

But as for the others, they need to pay attention to the Israelis who are killing innocent Palestinians and clean their own house before they try to clean any else's house. This is a bunch of wealthy people who always have their noses in other people's business while they ignore criminal activity among their own. I used to respect them but no more. I feel that they are guilty of the same racism they try to accuse LF of . Clean the mote out of your own eye first, I believe the bible says.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

29. Farrakhan Has Abandoned Much Of The Incendiary Homophobic And Racist

Rhetoric....


That's a good thing and he should be applauded but don't blame the Anti-Defamation League and the Southern Poverty Law Center For Chronicling Them...


If you wan't I'll post his homophobic and anti-semitic statements... I don't need to though because he no longer makes them....

[itzamirakul]

34. I am well acquainted with some of Farrakhan's views and past

statements with which I do not personally agree, but after much thought and comparison with other groups and persons who look us in the face, tell us lies and then expect us to follow them, why shouldn't I respect LF's plans as much as I have previously respected some of the others?

I watch as some of the other groups turn a blind eye to the murder of innocent Palestinians and as the Israeli soldiers bomb houses at will and then later label the residents as #2 to some leader. (They have killed #2 at least 50 times). So why should I not believe that these people are full of hatred and racism against the Palestinians? Again I say, clean up your own house first before you try to tell me who I should hate or refuse to listen to. And ask yourself why you are so fast to condemn one and not the other.

I don't see LF condoniming torture of prisoners. I DO see some groups ignoring this act and not speaking out against it while others (politicians) seem to uphold it.

On edit: I am not aiming any accusations at the poster to whom I have answered.

[rockymountaindem]

62. The ADL represents, Jews, not Israel.

Please stop conflating the two.

[itzamirakul]

63. Excuse me, but I thought that those now living in Israel WERE

Jews. To the best of my recollection, the JADL was founded in Israel many years ago to defend Jews against a recurrence of the holocaust.
I know that they came to America to raise money for the organization and to hunt down and search out Nazis in hiding. I don't think they can say that anyone else is a hate group without putting themselves in that same category.

I believe that many of the the Jewish people now living in Israel are a part of the JADL. So as far as I am concerned, it is all one and the same. Otherwise, you are saying that the Jews in Israel have no part in JADL.

My stance is that as long as Israeli soldiers kill innocent Palestinian women and children and then say that those deaths are ok because they were living in the houses of #2 leaders , then I think they need to clean up their own house before sticking their noses into the business of African Americans and telling us who we should listen to or not.

I happen to have very little respect for Sharon, but I don't go around telling Jews not to listen to him, crazy and murderous as I may think he is.

When the JADL points its finger at Farrakhan or any other person they should remember that four fingers are pointing directly back at them.

[rockymountaindem]

68. The ADL was founded by B'nai Brith in 1912

as a reaction to the Leo Frank case going on in Georgia.

[Behind the Aegis]

70. Woefully uneducated response!

Do you you know ANYTHING about Israel? Jews are not the only group there. Jews and Israel are not one and the same. As another poster has already pointed out, your "recollection" was wrong. A simple search would have put that to rest. The group was created BEFORE the Holocaust. You are confusing the ADL with the Simon Wiensenthal Center. Not all Jewish organizations are one in the same.

"I believe that many of the the Jewish people now living in Israel are a part of the JADL. So as far as I am concerned, it is all one and the same." This has to be one of the most ignorant statements I have read here in the past few hours. First, there is not "J" in the title. Second, the ADL is an American creation, primarily focused on the US; although, it does speak to other countries.

"My stance is that as long as Israeli soldiers kill innocent Palestinian women and children and then say that those deaths are ok because they were living in the houses of #2 leaders , then I think they need to clean up their own house before sticking their noses into the business of African Americans and telling us who we should listen to or not." What does Israeli soldiers have to do with the ADL?! Yet, another attempt to conflate all Jews and Israel. You not only have a very poor understanding of the ADL, you have a very poor understanding of the conflict in Israel.

"I happen to have very little respect for Sharon, but I don't go around telling Jews not to listen to him, crazy and murderous as I may think he is." Most people have little respect for Sharon. Yet, he has accomplished what no other PM has done. Does this excuse his past? No...unless he shows that he is moving AWAY FROM his past actions and remarks, much like Sen. Byrd. I don't see anyone saying not to listen to LF message of empowerment, what I do see is people excusing his anti-Semitic and homophobic mantra. At this gathering, he made no such comments. Perhaps he is moving away from his shameful past. Pat Buchanan was against the illegal war in Iraq, should we now champion him as a "progressive?!"

You really need to have more information before making statements like you have. Let me help you on your way...the mission statement of the ADL:

"The immediate object of the League is to stop, by appeals to reason and conscience and, if necessary, by appeals to law, the defamation of the Jewish people. Its ultimate purpose is to secure justice and fair treatment to all citizens alike and to put an end forever to unjust and unfair discrimination against and ridicule of any sect or body of citizens."
ADL Charter
October 1913

The start of the ADL (notice it is BEFORE the Holocaust and the birth of Israel):

The Anti-Defamation League was launched in 1913 in response to rampant anti-Semitism and discrimination against Jews.

Unquestionably, many things have changed -- mainly for the better -- for Jews and other minorities in America since 1913. Discrimination in hiring, schooling, and housing, once so common, is now prohibited by law. Unlike in the past, few Americans feel compelled to conceal their origins. Offensive caricatures rarely appear in the mass media, and racial and religious stereotypes, on the whole, no longer dominate American popular culture. These changes are due, in large measure, to the efforts of the League and its allies.

What has "remained the same," unfortunately, is the persistence of anti-Semitism and other forms of bigotry -- which in recent years have included attacks on immigrants, Blacks, Hispanics, Asian-Americans, gay men and lesbians. And while the hatemongers of today may be lacking in numbers and in economic and political power, they still have the ability to cause emotional pain, physical injury, property destruction, even death -- not to mention the incalculable damage they do to the social fabric of America and to this country's cherished ideals of mutual respect and equal treatment for all.

The mission of ADL today is, as it has been in the past, to expose and combat the purveyors of hatred in our midst, responding to whatever new challenges may arise. Where once we protested admissions quotas at leading graduate schools, today we expose Internet sites devoted to Holocaust denial and white-supremacist propaganda. In the past, we challenged the anti-Semitic ranting of demagogues like Father Coughlin; in the present, we are no less vocal in opposition to Louis Farrakhan.

The particulars may change, but the goal remains the same: to stand up for the core values of America against those who seek to undermine them through word or deed. We can look to our past record to inspire us as we go forward into the new millennium and the second century of ADL.

[pooky]

11. I believe he did Kill Malcolm X or least was part of it...

With the help of the FBI/US Government... Malcolm X was a huge problem for the US Government back in the sixties. He also was disliked by fellow Muslims... what a religion !

I am convinced that Louis E. Lomax, an industrious African-American journalist who befriended Malcolm X in the late 1950's, had practically solved the riddle of his assassination." He believed that Malcolm X was set up for the assassination by a former friend, John Ali, who was an agent/informer for an intelligence agency. Malcolm X had previously commented that Ali had been responsible for his ouster from the NOI. Ali eventually rose to the position of National Secretary of the NOI. Lomax was later killed in an automobile accident (due to brake failure).

It is now known that government and law enforcement agencies planted infiltrators in the OAAU, NOI and almost all of the other civil rights movement organizations. Some of these agent/informers were highly placed. Their assignments were not only to report on all of their activities, plans and members, but to create disruption, distrust and to frighten any supporters. The involvement of the government's "Cointelpro" (counter-intelligence program) operation to "neutralize" Malcolm X through BOSS, the NOI, and organized crime is strongly inferred by Evanzz in his book. The goal of the Cointelpro program was to neutralize radical and subversive political organizations and dissidents through covert means, such as "black-bag jobs," where agents/informers would enter homes and offices without warrants and remove or copy files, records ore plant incriminating material.

Read more here:

http://www.crimelibrary.com/terrorists_spies/assassins/malcolm_x/4.html


Makes you wonder how long these Muslims have been plotting - JFK assignation ? RFK killed by a Muslim... hmmmmm

[itzamirakul]

13. Funny....You know I heard that JFK was actually set up by

Bush Sr. who happened to be in Dallas on that November day.

And he got to be President of the U.S.

And so did his lying son.

So...what's the difference?

It's all "Tony Soprano shit" in the long run.

[Retired AF Dem]

19. Didn't Joe Sr use some of his mafia

contacts to help his son get elected? As you said it is all "Tony Soprano Shit"

[itzamirakul]

24. Exactly! So why all the fuss about who believes in Farrakhan ?

Seems to me he is in good company with all the dirty crap we have been dealt by both parties in the past several decades.

It's up to the individual to choose his own criminal to believe for their are no innocents among the so-called leaders.

[Clark2008]

43. Most real Muslims believe this, as well.

And what I mean by "real" Muslims are those who practice ISLAM - not Nation of Islam - which "real" Muslims believe is a bastardization of their religion. Kind of a cult-like faction of Islam.

I have no opinion on way or the other as I tend to study religion in its pure form, whether that's Chrisitianity, Islam or Judism. All are far from their orignial intent these days, if you ask me.

[Pepper32]

59. Farrakhans Response to 9/11 Attacks

I, on behalf of all the members of the Nation of Islam and on behalf of many millions of Muslims here in America and throughout the world, lift our voices to condemn this vicious and atrocious attack on the United States. In this very dark hour in American and world history, the greatest need for us and for the leadership of this nation is Divine Guidance.
<snip>

We mourn the loss of the many who have perished in this national and international tragedy. We commend the firemen and the policemen and women who risk their lives on a daily basis to keep an ordered society and a society free from the danger of fire and crime. These police and fire persons should be looked upon as heroes, notwithstanding the fact that we have issues of police brutality and racial profiling. Yet, it must be understood that these police and fire persons leave their homes everyday to do their duty in an ever-increasingly violent society, never knowing whether they shall return home to their families.


There is a verse in the Qur’an that speaks of the courage of those who run to the fierceness of the center of the battle. These are the foremost men and women of great courage and valor. These firemen and women and these police men and women were running toward the fierceness of the flaming fire of the World Trade Center as many were running from it. Their courage, their valor, their sense of duty caused them to run into that building, not caring for their lives, but for the lives of those whom they were intent on saving. Unfortunately, many of their lives were lost in the process of this noble effort.

<snip>
I was born in this country in New York City, and though the pain that Black people have suffered in America has caused me to be angry with the country of my birth, however, in my maturation, I know that, with all of America’s problems, she’s the greatest nation on this earth. And in spite of America’s problems, America has the potential to become the greatest nation ever. As a citizen of this nation, I do not wish to see harm come to her, so, I must lift up my voice and cry out, not just as one crying in the wilderness, but as one out of love who wants to see this nation avoid the pitfalls that have destroyed the great nations of the past.

<snip>

The President of the United States has sat down with the Joint Chiefs of Staff, his National Security Advisors, and, indeed, a war has been planned and is being planned. While the President has sought counsel from his military advisors, I hope that he will seek counsel from spiritual men and women of this nation who have studied prophecy, especially those prophecies related to this time. I would humbly advise and implore the President of the United States that, before he takes this country into war to counsel with scriptural scientists who are among the Jews, the Christians, and the Muslims. There are those who have given their lives to the study of prophecy and can advise him so that, as we put on the armor of battle, we will put on the whole armor of God, lest we lose.

Mr. President, I plead with you that this war that you intend could trigger that war that all the scientists of religion and of war have desired to escape, the war that would end all wars, the War of Armageddon.
http://www.africawithin.com/farrakhan/farrakhan_response_911.htm

Seeing the state our country is in right now, he doesn't sound all that crazy to me. And notice how this was after 9-11 when mostly white people died, yet nothing hateful was said. If he's such a hard-core racist why didn't he take this opportunity to spew hate? I don't see the KKK showing compassion for Katrina victims.

[dbt]

15. He *may* be on to something about the levees in New Orleans.

There was a quickly-buried story (AP, IIRC) a couple of weeks ago about how the levees should have held, barring any *cough* intervention.

Remember New Orleans

[bridgit]

16. he always seems to start out slow, mentioning a number of things...

over which it is difficult to disagree; but just there, below the surface, bubbling up very quickly are a host of ill-shappen thoughts predictaed imo upon white guilt again imo

[rosesaylavee]

17. I think, given his history, that no matter what may be his change

of heart, he needs to be taken with a grain of salt. I listen to him as I listen to others speaking out about this administration.

As a matter of course, I don't trust anyone who separates out any segment of our society into who is right and who is wrong. There are IDEAS that people ascribe to - like neo-conservative thinking - that I disagree with 100%. But do I think there is one GROUP described by a race or creed that follows this philosophy? No. That's where LF loses me.

And, please for those not familiar with the Nation of Islam, do not confuse it with mainstream or traditional Islam. Nation of Islam was roughly based on the traditional faith and created in the earlier part of the 20th Century in the US. Malcom X was a follower for many years but for a number of reasons left this group to go out on his own toward the end of his very short life.

[jzodda]

18. Hes a luny

some people like him (like me) only so I can hear the next crazy thing he says. Its like listening to Howard Stern, you never know what will come out of his crazy mouth.

I think hes a buffoon and the only thing hes missing is a laugh track playing behind him when he speaks.

[Retired AF Dem]

20. Yes, he is entertaining

[are_we_united_yet]

28. Incorrect

1)Not like Howard Stern at all.
2)Not a "Luny"
3)Not a buffoon (check the definition)

[jzodda]

47. He has spoken about Aliens

not a luny at all huh?. He may not be like howard stern to you, but he makes me laugh out loud. I have the mp3 of him talking about the aliens who built the pyramids from 1995. Funny stuff

[are_we_united_yet]

60. Hmm...

Perhaps you don't agree with what he has to say or think some of it is rubbish. Does not make him "Luny".

The fact you are comparing him to Howard Stern makes me wonder how often you listen to what he is saying.

Perhaps what he has to say is "funny" to you but in the Black Community, his message is deadly serious.

[cantstandbush]

32. He may be looney but he has been right more than he has been wrong.

Bush can't claim the same.

[jzodda]

48. This is one of those few situations

where I would choose bush over somebody else. As much as a clown I think Bush is, this luny Alien loving, jew hating guy I hate more. Its not even hate- I look at Bush as an adversary, somebody to fight. I take him seriously because I have to. I look at luny Farakan as somebody to laugh at mostly, even when hes being serious. He reminds me a lot of that other luny Jerry Falwell

[are_we_united_yet]

61. Yeah

OK

:crazy:

[noiretextatique]

67. first of all luny is not a word

and you will never have to worry about choosing any black man for president in this country...not for a long, long, time to come.

[Pepper32]

33. Exactly what was funny about his speech yesterday?

Did you even watch the MMM? The only people he bashed was Bush and his crime family.

How was that wrong/funny? I only imagine repukes saying things like this... weird.

[jzodda]

49. I would never ever watch or listen to a speech by him

He can bash anybody he wants. Just because he bashes somebody we do not like does not give him common cause with us. He "has" in the past said crazy and very funny things about Aliens and not so funny things about Jews. He has accused whites of doing things to blacks like posioning the water supplies in detroit, putting drugs in fried chicken and other crazy stuff.

Back in college (early 90s) one of my room-mates has recordings of the nutty statements.

[Pepper32]

54. See post 51

This is what the "looney" did... :eyes:

[fortyfeetunder]

21. Because he will listen when mainstreamers don't

I can't agree with everything LF has said.

Keep in mind he and the Nation of Islam (NOI) has been a sounding board and a resource for a population of Americans.

This group became influential especially pre-civil rights period because NOI had a philosophy of self-sufficency and support within the Black community.

If the Democratic and the Republican parties had really taken the concerns and problems of Black America seriously, folks like LF would not have the same level of influence.

[KG]

25. he makes white people very uncomfortable, as seen in this & other threads

[Pepper32]

31. Yep, he sure does

Yet he has done NOTHING to harm any white person, Jew, or Chinese! Can we say the same for the real hate groups like the KKK and skinheads?

I wonder if they are just fearful of black people coming together to organize and fight for their rights? :(


edited: typo

[ultraist]

53. That's a big part of it:

I wonder if they are just fearful of black people coming together to organize and fight for their rights?

It's a threat to many whites, that a powerful Black can organize a march of nearly 2 MILLION people and attract other powerful Blacks to speak at the event, including our own DEMOCRATS, Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, and Sheila Lee Jackson.

Farrakhan did not say anything racist yesterday but what he did say, was that people of all races need to unite, organize and take back our power, as people, against this corrupt regime. This is precisely the message that DUers admire, yet, when it's delivered by a Black man, the messenger is attacked.

I admittedly get some satisfaction out of the fact that Farrakhan scares the shit out of some whites. Let THEM squirm a bit. They need some shaking up.

[BoneDaddy]

26. LF

This is one of the things that bothers me about the left and my fellow brothers and sisters. We can criticize the right hatemonegers all we want, but when it comes down to those in our own camp we justify them.

And I am not even sure that I would include LF in my liberal camp anyway. He is a muslim fundamentalist who runs and operates an organization that I think adds to race hatred and not the reverse.

I do, however, understand why he is valued in the black community and I agree with some of his rhetoric, but the parts that I do not agree with are too important for me to look over and give him a pass.

I mean watch his face and those of his followers. I see the same look and hate in the eyes of right wing christians and middle east fundamentalists.

[are_we_united_yet]

27. Get rid of BushCo first.

Who pretend they are are "on your side", say all the "right" things, and then do exactly the opposite.

People change. Many (including me) happen to respect Senator Byrd of West Va greatly. But guess what his past has in it? I think it would be unfair to judge Senator Byrd and his eloquent voice in the Senate as disingenuous because of his earlier involvement with a notorious hate group. People change (emphasis).

If you've not done it already, I'd request you listen to Farrakahn first (today) before you pass further judgment. Farrakahn's message is Pro-Black to be sure, but the Black Community has a plethora of very, very serious issues.

However, Farrakahn's anti-semitic rhetoric has been toned down considerably and I believe this a very good thing. It is notable that Farrakahn played the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto in the years past which some say was a symbolic gesture extended to the Jewish community. (I assume you are familiar with Mendelssohn's connection with Judaism).

If you currently listen to him and find him repulsive still, well then OK.

[Deja Q]

30. He's on the same level as Rush Limbaugh and Michael Moore,

out for himself and saying things people want to hear. Even if a lot of it is the truth or some spin on the truth.

[zalinda]

36. He gets respect because

he has given respect to the black community. He has taken black men who had no confidence or respect in themselves and made them into model citizens. Maybe he had to talk like a racist to get the people into his group. I know if I wanted to change the minds of a group of people, I would have to talk to them in "their language" in order to reach them. I know nothing about him, as such, except what I've read in the newspaper, but then he's not trying to reach me.

Just a thought.

zalinda

[OETKB]

37. Enlarging the tent

We can not canabalize people who have a message and energy to move in the direction of human survival. Mr. Farrakhan's present efforts call for a unified decent nation. He has stepped over the line from the awful methods used by revolutionaries in the past. He is rejecting violence and that alone should be supported. It is easy to kick people when they are down, but if they start to make sense and take a leadership role, it should be applauded. I have listened to his recent speeches and I hear nothing any group needs to fear. Are we going to be in the business of creating boogy men like the neocons do? If there is criminality or destructiveness let's hear it. If his message seems to enhance our survival I'm for it. The human race survives on its brain power and cooperation. We still haven't learned this.

[Pepper32]

45. As with any leader I support

rather black or white. I'm focused on the message not the person. Farrakhan speaks about my issues, therefore I listen.

I don't believe in throwing the baby out with the bath water. In this thread and many others on DU LF is being judged based on his distant past. I haven't heard him say anything hateful about any race in at least 5yrs, if not longer. If I'm wrong please post a link and prove it!

I don't excuse any of Farrakhan past hateful remarks in response to racism. However he is not the KKK or Hitler. Name one white or Jew person that has been hanged, raped, killed or oppressed by LF? In fact, I'm quite sure the government is waiting on him to do just that so they can throw him underneath a prison. Unlike the KKK a black man would never get away with a hate crime.


So exactly whose shoes does Farrakhan have to shine before people loosen the noose around his neck? :popcorn:

Because his message (which IS our message) will only grow louder. As this is not just a march it's a MILLION MORE MOVEMENT! So, get on board or get out of the way! :)


----------------------http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1058/is_9_117/ai_61026146
Farrakhan, often denounced for anti-Semitic and anti-white remarks, has reportedly undergone a spiritual metamorphosis of sorts in the last year after undergoing cancer surgery.


(given to a mixed audience of Jews; Christians; Moslems and others.)And you, Dr. Taylor...have always wanted to gather human+beings together to challenge human+beings to rise above their diversity, especially those who claim belief in the oneness of God. So it seems to me...you are one of those souls that God has in this time period to help gather God's people in God's way.

And since this is your 26th year as Senior Pastor of Second Baptist Church, I looked in the Qur'an again to Chapter 26, and it's called "The Poet." I don't think this is an accident, that he is such a profound poet, brilliant scholar, theologian, pastor, nurturer of our people, and yet would have the courage to invite his brother in this beautiful place on this tremendous campus of great scholarship in the midst of those who may see me as other than what I am; in the midst of those who see me as anti-white or anti-Semitic or racist or a bigot. Yet you had the courage to invite me into this holy place, that I might share your anniversary with you, but more importantly, share my spirit with you. That you may know me beyond a sound-bite on television. That you may know me from the heart.
http://100777.com/spiritual/farrakhan

[Pepper32]

51. Photos

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-1/934637/AlSharpton,frontleft,andRev.JesseJackson.jpg









http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-1/934637/IreneBassett,left,andRichardJennings,bothofRichmond,Va.,holdhands2.jpg

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-1/934637/Jesse,Farrakhan,SharptonandRussel.jpg











http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-1/934637/CliffBooker,fromToronto,Canada,pointstotheNationalMall.jpg








The movement is about the people and nothing else!

[itzamirakul]

65. Oh, he doesn't have to shine anyone's shoes...

these days, in order for a black person to be acceptable, they have to "drive Miss Daisy." LOL

BTW, thanks for the post and the link. I hadn't seen this one and as usual,it is quite well said.

[goclark]

50. I don't just like him,I admire him !

I take it you did not listened to his speech yesterday?

Are your beliefs lost in the 60's like the NeoCons want your thoughts to be?

The Freeper Boards would be thrilled with your post!

I would suggest that you listen carefully to his speech if you want to grow as a person, and keep an open mind.

Rev. Farrakan did more in one hour to support the need to get rid of GW Bush than liberals have done since 2000.

Bat down his message if you like.

Just know that the African American Community was thrilled,crying and jumping for joy that he cared about not just his people but poor people all over the world AND that he wants to bring ALL the troops home AND that he recognizes that George Bush has got to go AND that George should take all his NeoCons with him!

[BronxBoy]

52. Go Here...

and try to get a clue..

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x5074856

[BiggJawn]

56. Because it's trendy?

"'Walmart Murka' doesn't like him, therefore *I* will"?

:shrug:

[ultraist]

57. Bwhahaha!!!

:rofl:

Maybe that's it. Nah, it's the "BLACK" thing. Anytime a Black can be lynched, it's done around here. We see it all the time. People jump on those threads that are trashing Condi, like a pack of rabid dogs. They do it, not mainly because she is part of the Bushcorp, but because it's oh so fun to lynch a Black person.

Remember, it wasn't so long ago, in fact, during the lifetimes of many DUers, when they held big public events lynching Blacks.

1950

[noiretextatique]

66. i don't like bill clinton

i think he's a weak fool for squandering the democratic party's poltical capital for a blowjob. but i voted for him twice, and i'd listen to him speak because he is an intelligent man. i find tom metzger's racial viwes repugnant, but he has some interesting things to say about the corporatization of american poltics.
i don't think people have to "like" someone to believe he has something worthwhile to say.